Ireland vs Zimbabwe, 32nd Match, Group B T20 World Cup 2026 Match Prediction – IRE vs ZIM Today Match Preview, Pitch Report & Toss Prediction

IRE vs ZIM Betting Tips

• Match Winner: Zimbabwe to win
• Top Ireland Batter: Lorcan Tucker
• Top Zimbabwe Batter: Brian Bennett
• Top Bowler: Blessing Muzarabani to take 2+ wickets
• Total Runs: Over 365.5
• Toss Bet: Team winning toss to bowl first

Ireland vs Zimbabwe Betting Odds

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Ireland vs Zimbabwe Match Prediction & Analysis

This Group B clash in the T20 World Cup 2026 carries serious Super 8 implications. Zimbabwe sit second in the group after a statement win over Australia, while Ireland need a strong victory to remain in contention.

Zimbabwe’s approach has been measured and intelligent. They haven’t tried to overpower opponents with reckless aggression. Instead, they’ve paced innings based on surface conditions. That method worked perfectly against Australia, where disciplined batting and sharp bowling sealed a 23-run win.

Ireland, meanwhile, have shown flashes of brilliance. Their 96-run demolition of Oman proved their batting depth. But their top order remains inconsistent. Against stronger bowling attacks, early collapses have hurt them.

Historically, this rivalry has been tight. The last six meetings are evenly split with two wins each and two no-results. That balance adds intrigue, but current form slightly favours Zimbabwe.

IRE vs ZIM Head to Head (T20Is)

IRE vs ZIM Head to Head (T20I World Cup)

IRE vs ZIM Team Preview

Ireland

Ireland finally found rhythm with a dominant win over Oman, scoring 235/5. Lorcan Tucker has been the standout performer with 139 runs in three matches, including a superb unbeaten 94 off 51 balls at a strike rate of 184.31. Gareth Delany’s 56 and George Dockrell’s explosive 35 off 9 balls show how dangerous the middle order can be.

The concern remains the top order. Harry Tector and Curtis Campher have yet to produce a defining innings in this tournament.

Bowling has been competitive without being dominant. Josh Little impressed with 3/16, while Dockrell and Barry McCarthy have taken four wickets each in the tournament.

IRE Probable Playing XI- Tim Tector, Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (C & WK), Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Joshua Little.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe have been one of the surprise packages of Group B. Brian Bennett leads their scoring with 112 runs, including 64 off 56 balls against Australia. His opening partnership with Tadiwanashe Marumani has laid strong foundations in both matches.

In the middle order, Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza provide stability and experience. Raza, with 129 T20Is, 2913 runs and 103 wickets in his career, brings balance and leadership.

The real difference-maker has been Blessing Muzarabani. He has taken seven wickets in two matches, including 4/17 against Australia. Brad Evans has added six wickets, giving Zimbabwe genuine wicket-taking power.

ZIM Probable Playing XI- Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Dion Mayers, Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza, Brad Evans, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani.

IRE vs ZIM Pitch Report

The surface in Pallekele is generally balanced but slightly batting-friendly in T20 cricket. Pacers get early movement with the new ball. As the innings progresses, spinners find grip and moderate turn. The outfield is quick, rewarding timing.

• Average first-innings score: 170
• Competitive total: 180+
• Dew factor: No

IRE vs ZIM Weather Report

• Temperature: Around 21°C
• Sky Conditions: Mostly sunny
• Rain: 30-40%
• Wind Speed: 12-20 km/h

Weather interruptions remain a genuine possibility.

IRE vs ZIM Toss Prediction

Historically, 16 out of 30 T20Is here have been won by teams batting first. However, recent trends show chasing teams winning 3 of the last 5 matches.

Given potential rain interruptions and chasing advantage, captains are likely to prefer bowling first.

Toss prediction: Bowl first

Ireland vs Zimbabwe Winning Prediction

Zimbabwe entered this match with stronger momentum. They’ve already defeated Australia and appear tactically sharp. Their opening pair has been consistent, and Blessing Muzarabani’s form with the ball adds serious threat.

Ireland have explosive middle-order talent, but their top-order inconsistency remains a risk against disciplined bowling.

Ireland can compete if Tucker delivers another major innings and their seamers strike early. Still, based on current form and balance, Zimbabwe hold the edge.

Final Prediction: Zimbabwe to win

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